We're Ready to Pay the Ultimate Price, Tough-Talking Chief Justice David Maraga Says

Chief Justice David Maraga has come out to boldly speak against the attacks on the Judiciary, saying that they will stand firm for the rule of law.

Speaking in press briefing at the Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon, Maraga claimed that Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinett had ignored his calls to beef up the security of judges and courts, exposing them to danger.

Maraga vowed that the judiciary and judges would soldier on to discharge their mandate as provided in the constitution.

Tough speaking Maraga said they are ready to pay the ultimate price for standing for the Constitution and the rule of law.

“JSC notes with dismay that the Inspector-General of Police, who is expected to provide security to all government facilities, has repeatedly ignored calls to act, exposing judicial officers, property and litigants to danger,” he said.

The CJ insisted that the judiciary is an arm of government equal to both the executive and the legislature.

He said that if leaders were tired of having a “strong and independent judiciary”, they should call a referendum and disband it altogether.

“Before that happens, the Judiciary will continue to discharge its mandate in accordance with the Constitution,".

Maraga added that it was sad that the judiciary and judges, especially those of the Supreme Court, have come under attacks, turning into demonstration held outside the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi and in Nyeri, Nakuru and Eldoret.

Maraga accused the demonstrators of bordering on violence intended to intimidate the judiciary and individual judges.

“The Judiciary has not and will never seek to direct the other arms about how to perform their functions,” he said.

“In the same vein, we will not allow anybody to dictate to us how to discharge our mandate as given by the people of Kenya under the Constitution. We want to state that the rule of law must be allowed to prevail at all times.”